Joetta is a 34-year-old yeoman farmer living near Whitakers, North Carolina, in 1861. She values hard work, compassion, and the simple routine of tending her crops and livestock. She remains fiercely neutral regarding the Civil War, refusing to support the Confederacy despite immense social pressure from her neighbors. Her adherence to her personal morals frequently puts her at odds with her community and her pro-Confederate father-in-law.

Ennis is a yeoman farmer who shares his wife's desire to stay out of the national conflict. He rejects the racist rhetoric and war glorification of his father, having learned his values from his quiet, compassionate mother. He initially tries to force his sons to ignore the rising tensions but eventually leaves the farm to track down his impetuous older son.

Rudean is Ennis's father and a proud supporter of the Confederacy who lives in a cabin on the family property. He frequently tells his grandsons about the prestige of owning a plantation with enslaved laborers. He expresses intense prejudice against Black people and continuously criticizes Joetta for her lack of southern loyalty.

Henry is Joetta and Ennis's 15-year-old son. He actively absorbs his grandfather's stories and develops a strong loyalty to the Confederacy. He purchases a secessionist cockade with his farm earnings, leading to a physical fight with his father. He soon isolates himself from the household before secretly leaving home to join the Confederate army in Raleigh.

Robert is the 11-year-old son of the McBride household. He initially attempts to keep the peace by keeping his isolated brother company outside. After his father and brother leave the farm, Robert takes on heavy agricultural responsibilities. He grows increasingly sullen and resentful toward his mother, blaming her political stances for their social isolation.

Charlie is a young boy from Virginia who arrives on the McBride farm seeking shelter. He previously served as a drummer for the Union army, where soldiers called him "Hasty" and viewed him as an omen of death. He suffers from malaria and physical exhaustion upon his arrival. He possesses sharp survival skills and a quiet, cautious demeanor.

Bess is a neighbor who proudly supports the Confederacy. She wears a cockade and participates in a local sewing group to supply southern troops. She attempts to convince Joetta to abandon her neutrality, believing that southern whites must stand together. Her political zeal gradually destroys their long-standing friendship.

Mary is a neighbor who privately shares Joetta's desire for neutrality. She wears a cockade only to avoid community retaliation, following her husband's advice. She provides quiet encouragement to Joetta and occasionally brings specialty food items to the McBride farm.

Thomas is Bess's husband and a rigid supporter of the Confederate cause. He publicly declares his desire to join the battle and actively intimidates neighbors who fail to show adequate loyalty. He wears a distinctive green coat around town.

Benjamin is the oldest son of the Caldwell family. He volunteers for the Confederate army shortly after Henry McBride, bringing immense pride to his parents.

Harold is the younger son of the Caldwell family. He plays soldier in his yard and spies on the McBride property, actively searching for evidence of disloyalty to report to his parents.

Hugh is Mary's husband and a local resident who initially attempts to avoid the war. He faces the threat of conscription and advises his wife to wear a cockade to protect themselves from community violence.

Faith is Joetta's sister. She sends letters detailing her life and reveals information that forces Joetta to burn the correspondence for safety.

Marshall is Faith's husband. He volunteers with the Union army, creating a dangerous connection for the North Carolina-based McBrides.

Preacher Rouse leads the local congregation. He uses his pulpit to question the loyalty of his flock and reads the names of military volunteers aloud, forcing public declarations of allegiance from his attendees.

Elder Newell is a church leader and local businessman who enforces social expectations in Whitakers. He welcomes attendees while carefully noting who participates in community events.

Anna is Ennis's late mother and Rudean's deceased wife. She maintained a quiet, obedient exterior but secretly freed an overworked enslaved man, instilling a sense of quiet rebellion and morality in her son.

Ezra is an elderly Black man whom Rudean won in a card game. He suffered from physical exhaustion under Rudean's demands before mysteriously vanishing from the property.

Mr. Spivey runs the general store in Whitakers. He manages the local mail distribution and charges families for military postage. He maintains a quiet demeanor and occasionally helps Joetta hide from aggressive townspeople.

Eliza is a wealthy enslaver who joins Bess Caldwell's sewing circle. She complains about managing her property and openly wishes for violence against the local Black population.

Rebecca is married to a Nash County cotton mill owner. She attends the sewing group and happily shares violent gossip regarding local landowners and enslaved laborers.

Miller is an overseer employed by Eliza Garner's husband. He enforces extreme violence against enslaved people and actively hunts down individuals the community labels as traitors.

Lieutenant Braswell commands a group of Confederate soldiers. He searches Joetta's home, damages her property, and confiscates her livestock to feed his men.